Reviews

Growing Patterns: Fibonacci Numbers in Nature

Connie M. Campbell, Professor of Mathematics, Millsaps College

“Growing Patterns wonderfully illustrates a connection between nature and numbers. Sarah Campbell has certainly taken the time to stop and smell (and even count) the roses, and in this delightful book she takes us along in her journey. In so doing, she encourages us all to see and to explore what is right in front of our noses!”

Ian Stewart, Professor of Mathematics at Warwick University

"A wonderful introduction to one of the most beautiful connections between mathematics and the natural world. Simple, elegant, and inspiring."

"Growing Patterns: Fibonacci Numbers is Nature is a photographic book which brings a somewhat mysterious subject to life for children between the ages of 8 and 12. It could be paired with a nature walk to count the petals on flowers, or children might enjoy examining actual pinecones and pineapples!"

"This book uses exquisite photographs and perfectly chosen text to explain the concept of patterns in nature, specifically Fibonacci numbers, in such a way that even a kindergartener can understand. Hey, I bet I could read this to PRESCHOOLERS and they would get it!"

"A great general exposure to patterns for the youngest students and a clear introduction to this crucial pattern for slightly older students."

Publisher's Weekly

“Besides being eye-catching, the photographs ought to prove invaluable for visual learners (spiral patterns in a pinecone are darkened for visibility). Kids should be left with a clear understanding of the pattern and curious about its remarkable prevalence in nature.”

Kirkus

"This math-and-science title is another beautiful photo-essay by the creators of Wolfsnail (2008). ... This clear demonstration of complex ideas will be welcomed in elementary classrooms."

School Library Journal

"This slim, attractive volume makes clear the appearance and significance of Fibonacci numbers in nature, both through simple, precise explanations and eye-catching photographs. With plenty of white space and crisp images, the design of the book is appealing. ... (M)ath teachers looking to add an interesting element to a lesson will find this a solid choice, and future mathematicians will be drawn into the magic and mystery of Fibonacci numbers."

Growing Patterns: Fibonacci Numbers in Nature is "the newest picture book format math book to add to your shelves. It does contain a couple difficult concepts, but with the right grown-up by their side, there’s very little in Growing Patterns: Fibonacci Numbers in Nature that a child won’t be able to figure out on their own."

"Math teachers will appreciate the clarity of presentation, and the appended glossary and related miscellanea. Children who are ready to move beyond counting books and into brain-tickling areas of mathematics will welcome this introduction."

"In an engaging manner, the author guides the reader to observe the pattern of petals in several clearly illustrated pictures of flowers and then describes the rule for obtaining the Fibonacci numbers.”

"Also lovely and different is Sarah C. Campbell's Growing Patterns: Fibonacci Numbers in Nature, a survey including color photos by Sarah C. Campbell and Richard P. Campbell. The Fibonacci pattern shows up in unexpected places in nature: this picturebook ties math to nature and creates lovely closeup photos of this number sequence.”